Changes

[[Image:Lateral view post-tenotomy donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Lateral view post DDF tenotomy mid-cannon, also using ‘glue-on’ therapeutic shoe. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Lateral view post-tenotomy donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Lateral view post DDF tenotomy mid-cannon, also using ‘glue-on’ therapeutic shoe. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Shoe with toe extension.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Shoe with toe extension (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Shoe with toe extension.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Shoe with toe extension (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Post-tenotomy radiograph donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Post-surgery radiograph showing shoe (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Post-tenotomy radiograph donkey.jpg|left|thumb|200px|<small><center>Post-surgery radiograph showing shoe (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

Pre-operatively, '''radiographs''' should be taken to assess the distal phalanx; degenerative changes reduce the likelihood of a good outcome. The degree of tension and any abnormal thickening or pain in the flexor tendons should be assessed. At [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary] we like to arrange for a skilled farrier to be present during the assessment and subsequent surgery. This enables the farrier to be able to apply glue-on shoes while the donkey is still slightly sedated. If more than one limb is to be operated on, front limbs can be operated on with a two-week delay between surgeries, or a fore limb and contra-lateral hind limb may be

Pre-operatively, '''radiographs''' should be taken to assess the distal phalanx; degenerative changes reduce the likelihood of a good outcome. The degree of tension and any abnormal thickening or pain in the flexor tendons should be assessed. At [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary] we like to arrange for a skilled farrier to be present during the assessment and subsequent surgery. This enables the farrier to be able to apply glue-on shoes while the donkey is still slightly sedated. If more than one limb is to be operated on, front limbs can be operated on with a two-week delay between surgeries, or a fore limb and contra-lateral hind limb may be

operated on simultaneously, with a two-week gap for the opposing limbs.

operated on simultaneously, with a two-week gap for the opposing limbs.

The donkey should have '''box rest for 10 to 14 days''', then '''restricted exercise''', depending on its temperament. If they are not restricted, young boisterous animals can over-exercise and delay healing of the tendon, while sensible animals may heal adequately on paddock rest.

The donkey should have '''box rest for 10 to 14 days''', then '''restricted exercise''', depending on its temperament. If they are not restricted, young boisterous animals can over-exercise and delay healing of the tendon, while sensible animals may heal adequately on paddock rest.

==References==

==References==

* Daniels, L.E., Conine, T.A., and Jackson, D.A. (1990). ‘A rehabilitation team approach to correct flexural deformities in a donkey foal’. ''Canadian Veterinary Journal 31''. pp 297-299.

* Daniels, L.E., Conine, T.A., and Jackson, D.A. (1990). ‘A rehabilitation team approach to correct flexural deformities in a donkey foal’. ''Canadian Veterinary Journal 31''. pp 297-299.

* Walmsley, J.P. (1995). ‘Flexural deformities of distal interphalangeal joints in a group of young donkeys’. ''Equine Veterinary Education 7''(1). pp 4-6.

* Walmsley, J.P. (1995). ‘Flexural deformities of distal interphalangeal joints in a group of young donkeys’. ''Equine Veterinary Education 7''(1). pp 4-6.